Older Adult Quality of Life within an Assisted Living Facility amid COVID-19

International Journal of Nursing and Health Science

© 2023 by SSRG - IJNHS Journal

Volume 9 Issue 1

Year of Publication : 2023

Authors : Kasey Stepansky, Michelle Criss, Amelia Dick, Adriana M. Jurado, Mia G. Dinardo

10.14445/24547484/IJNHS-V9I1P103

How to Cite?

Kasey Stepansky, Michelle Criss, Amelia Dick, Adriana M. Jurado, Mia G. Dinardo, "Older Adult Quality of Life within an Assisted Living Facility amid COVID-19," SSRG International Journal of Nursing and Health Science, vol. 9,  no. 1, pp. 17-24, 2023. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/24547484/IJNHS-V9I1P103

Abstract:

This study aimed to illustrate assisted living facility (ALF) resident quality of life (QOL) prior to intergenerational living with graduate health science students and allowed investigation of QOL in older adults during COVID-19. A mixed methods approach utilizing the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS), Geriatric Depression Scale-15 item, and demographics survey was utilized with 10 participants at an ALF. Eight participants were recruited to complete interviews to further illustrate the quality of life during COVID-19. QOLS categories with the lowest median scores included: physical health, participation in organizations, learning, understanding self, and socializing. Positive screens for depression risk occurred in 40 percent of the residents. Themes impacting the quality of life included: Disconnectedness & Activity Changes, Uncertainty, and Insight. Conclusion: Disconnectedness and loss of activity were highlighted during COVID-19. Programs to support social connectedness have been recommended to address older adults’ uncertainty entering the endemic stages of COVID-19.

Keywords:

Assisted living facility, COVID-19 pandemic, Intergenerational, Quality of life, Socialization.

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